Think. What do you want to happen? Want to lose weight, reduce stress, and start exercising? All of the above?

Think again. Is your goal R and R, realistic and reachable? When was the last time you weighed what you think you want to weigh? If you answered never or if it was so long ago that dial up internet and bag phones were the in thing, your goal may not be R and R. Don’t set yourself up for failure, so let’s set a goal that makes sense for you.

I would like to weigh ______. If this number is 10 pounds or greater, set mini goals of 5 pounds. Breaking your goal into increments instead of one goal will allow you to better see your progress and learn how your body responds to the lifestyle changes you are making. See what is working and what is not and adjust as you go. Everyone is different, so you need to learn what makes you tick.

Now, you have a goal. Write it down. Seriously. “If you do not write it down, you do not have a goal-you have a wish.”-Steve Maraboli

Start keeping a log of everything you eat and drink, and I mean everything including water. Be brutally honest. The body is annoyingly accurate at keeping up with what you put in it, so no point in lying to yourself. This is a hard thing. It is so eye opening at the amount of calories that are hidden in such a seemingly small amount of food. This is one of the greatest mysteries ever. You have to become a detective and figure out where the hidden fat and sugar is in your food. These are the culprits that cause us the most grief. They can hide in the smallest places imaginable. And unfortunately, in some of the best places as well.

Cool tip: There are so many apps and tracking devices that can make logging food intake and exercise easy. I recommend investing in one that suits you. It’s like having a personal trainer with you all day! I use mine every day!

After keeping your journal for a few days, compare it to the The Plan. What areas do you need to clean up?

How about exercise? So many great options there. Walking, videos, gyms, etc. Just get moving!
Just can’t get going? Check out some of our ideas.

Remember you are learning to manage your energy. Food is energy in while energy is burned when we breathe, move, and go about our daily activities. If you want to lose weight, then your energy burned must be greater than the energy you consume. So the more you move, the more you burn! Time to get moving!